Statutes, regulations, and common law significantly affect the proper administration of financial aid programs and management of financial aid offices in higher education.

The major sources of law and documents governing participation include:

• Higher Education Act of 1965 as amended in 1998, Title IV 20 U.S.C., 1070-99
• Higher Education Amendments
• Code of Federal Regulations
• Institution's Program Participation Agreement (PPA)
• Institution's Eligibility Certification Acknowledgement Report (ECAR)
• U.S. Department of Education Policy as explained in the Student Financial Aid Handbooks and Dear Colleague Letters
• Case Law including administrative hearings and appeals

CHESS engages in legal research and provides financial aid litigation support services.